Papua New Guinea | Ceremonial Bone Dagger | Tribal Artifact with Cowrie Shell & Hair | Circa 19th Century

Provenance & Ownership History
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Formerly held in a private collection in Brea, California, United States, assembled with a particular focus on antique arms, weapons, and related historical objects.

$1,250.00
$1,250.00
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19th Century Papua New Guinea ceremonial bone dagger with cowrie shell inlays and human hair
19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
Macro shot of anthropomorphic mask head with symmetrical painted designs and dual cowrie shell eyes
Close-up of ceremonial artifact forehead highlighting embedded cream cowrie shells and dark human hair texture
Front detail of carved bone face with single cowrie shell eye, pigment markings, and tribal motifs
Full-length studio shot of rare ethnographic bone dagger standing upright on display base
Side view of Sepik River bone dagger on black stand showing carved head curvature and shaft length
Rear view of antique bone dagger showing textured back surface, attached fibers, and wire bindings
Vertical view of tribal ritual dagger featuring stylized head, shell decorations, and tapered bone shaft
Video of Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger showing carved ancestral head, cowrie shells, tribal motifs, and human hair used in ritual craftsmanship.
  • 19th Century Papua New Guinea ceremonial bone dagger with cowrie shell inlays and human hair
  • 19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
  • Macro shot of anthropomorphic mask head with symmetrical painted designs and dual cowrie shell eyes
  • Close-up of ceremonial artifact forehead highlighting embedded cream cowrie shells and dark human hair texture
  • Front detail of carved bone face with single cowrie shell eye, pigment markings, and tribal motifs
  • Full-length studio shot of rare ethnographic bone dagger standing upright on display base
  • Side view of Sepik River bone dagger on black stand showing carved head curvature and shaft length
  • Rear view of antique bone dagger showing textured back surface, attached fibers, and wire bindings
  • Vertical view of tribal ritual dagger featuring stylized head, shell decorations, and tapered bone shaft
  • Video of Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger showing carved ancestral head, cowrie shells, tribal motifs, and human hair used in ritual craftsmanship.
19th Century Papua New Guinea ceremonial bone dagger with cowrie shell inlays and human hair
19th-century Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger with carved ancestral head, cowrie shell inlays, human hair adornments, and tribal geometric motifs, used in ritual and initiation rites.
Macro shot of anthropomorphic mask head with symmetrical painted designs and dual cowrie shell eyes
Close-up of ceremonial artifact forehead highlighting embedded cream cowrie shells and dark human hair texture
Front detail of carved bone face with single cowrie shell eye, pigment markings, and tribal motifs
Full-length studio shot of rare ethnographic bone dagger standing upright on display base
Side view of Sepik River bone dagger on black stand showing carved head curvature and shaft length
Rear view of antique bone dagger showing textured back surface, attached fibers, and wire bindings
Vertical view of tribal ritual dagger featuring stylized head, shell decorations, and tapered bone shaft
Video of Sepik River ceremonial bone dagger showing carved ancestral head, cowrie shells, tribal motifs, and human hair used in ritual craftsmanship.
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Papua New Guinea | Ceremonial Bone Dagger | Tribal Artifact with Cowrie Shell & Hair | Circa 19th Century

Description
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Historical Context & Origin

Region: Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Material: Bone with cowrie shell inlays, human hair, and carved decoration
Period: 19th Century CE

Description

This rare ceremonial dagger from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea reflects the profound spiritual traditions and artistic mastery of its people. Hand-carved from dense bone and adorned with cowrie shells, human hair, and intricate tribal motifs, the dagger functioned not only as a weapon but also as a sacred ritual object. Its anthropomorphic head carving symbolizes ancestral spirits, connecting the bearer to lineage, protection, and tribal identity.

Features

- Carved anthropomorphic head representing ancestral spirits or deities

- Cowrie shell inlays symbolizing fertility, wealth, and spiritual connection

- Human hair adornment signifying lineage and protective power

- Hand-carved geometric tribal motifs reflecting ritual iconography

- Dense bone construction with aged surface patina confirming authenticity

Cultural Significance

Among the Sepik River tribes, ceremonial daggers were believed to contain spiritual energy and ancestral presence. They were used in initiation rites, ritual ceremonies, and occasionally in combat, acting as symbolic bridges between the physical and spiritual realms. The carved ancestral imagery and human hair adornments made such objects powerful markers of heritage and identity. This dagger reflects the sacred importance of ritual artifacts and the celebrated craftsmanship of Sepik River cultures.

Condition

The dagger is well preserved with natural patina and minor wear consistent with age and ceremonial use. The carved details, cowrie shell inlays, and hair adornments remain intact, underscoring its rarity and cultural significance.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Length: 14 in

Age (Approximate)

125–225 years old

Provenance

Formerly held in a private collection in Brea, California, United States, assembled with a particular focus on antique arms, weapons, and related historical objects.

Learn More

Explore Our Collection of Ethnographic Artifacts

Read from Our Blog: Papua New Guinea Ceremonial Bone Dagger – A Tribal Masterpiece

Learn about Sepik bone dagger craftsmanship at New Guinea Bone Daggers: Culture & Craft

View a comparable example at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Description

Historical Context & Origin

Region: Sepik River, Papua New Guinea
Material: Bone with cowrie shell inlays, human hair, and carved decoration
Period: 19th Century CE

Description

This rare ceremonial dagger from the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea reflects the profound spiritual traditions and artistic mastery of its people. Hand-carved from dense bone and adorned with cowrie shells, human hair, and intricate tribal motifs, the dagger functioned not only as a weapon but also as a sacred ritual object. Its anthropomorphic head carving symbolizes ancestral spirits, connecting the bearer to lineage, protection, and tribal identity.

Features

- Carved anthropomorphic head representing ancestral spirits or deities

- Cowrie shell inlays symbolizing fertility, wealth, and spiritual connection

- Human hair adornment signifying lineage and protective power

- Hand-carved geometric tribal motifs reflecting ritual iconography

- Dense bone construction with aged surface patina confirming authenticity

Cultural Significance

Among the Sepik River tribes, ceremonial daggers were believed to contain spiritual energy and ancestral presence. They were used in initiation rites, ritual ceremonies, and occasionally in combat, acting as symbolic bridges between the physical and spiritual realms. The carved ancestral imagery and human hair adornments made such objects powerful markers of heritage and identity. This dagger reflects the sacred importance of ritual artifacts and the celebrated craftsmanship of Sepik River cultures.

Condition

The dagger is well preserved with natural patina and minor wear consistent with age and ceremonial use. The carved details, cowrie shell inlays, and hair adornments remain intact, underscoring its rarity and cultural significance.

Dimensions (Approximate)

Length: 14 in

Age (Approximate)

125–225 years old

Provenance

Formerly held in a private collection in Brea, California, United States, assembled with a particular focus on antique arms, weapons, and related historical objects.

Learn More

Explore Our Collection of Ethnographic Artifacts

Read from Our Blog: Papua New Guinea Ceremonial Bone Dagger – A Tribal Masterpiece

Learn about Sepik bone dagger craftsmanship at New Guinea Bone Daggers: Culture & Craft

View a comparable example at The Metropolitan Museum of Art

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